For most people, knowing how to use a sparkler is something we learn as a child. Many parents expose their children to sparklers at a very young age for the 4th of July, so it’s a foregone conclusion. But what if you are a person who has never used one before? How do you use a sparkler correctly unless someone shows you in the first place? Here is a step-by-step guide on how to use a sparkler along with a few common scenarios and safety tips to help you enjoy your experience.
How to Use a Sparkler
How do you use a sparkler? Well, it’s more than just lighting it and enjoying it; there are proper steps that need to be followed. Below, we will cover how to use a sparkler from start to finish for a safe and fun experience.
Find a Proper Location
Sparklers are hot and need to be used away from objects and other people. Finding an open spot with no obstacles or obstructions is the first thing you need to do to safely use your sparklers.
Choose an Ignition Source and Light Your Sparkler
When deciding how to light your sparklers, consider how practical an option is. If you’re lighting a single sparkler, a match or a lighter will work just fine. If you’re lighting multiple sparklers for a wedding or large event, a punk, blowtorch, or candle works better. Once you’ve selected your ignition source, light the tip of your sparkler. Make sure your hand is on the handle of the sparkler and a safe distance from the tip you are lighting for safety.
Enjoying the Show
After your sparkler is lit, hold it away from your body and enjoy the show! It’s okay to move your lit sparkler around, just be sure to stay safe. Don’t waive it near objects or people, and make sure it is held away from your body at all times.
Properly Dispose of your Sparkler
Once your sparkler is finished, it may still pose a risk if left unattended. It’s best to dip used sparklers into a bucket of water, or they can be thrown into an empty metal bucket. A fire pit is another popular option for disposing of sparklers. Making sure your sparklers are fully extinguished and disposed of properly is the correct way to finish your sparkler experience.
How to Use Sparklers for Specific Events
Most events that use sparklers are very straight-forward; simply light and enjoy your fireworks. However, how do you use a sparkler for more elaborate purposes? Can you use them at a wedding or a birthday party in a special way? Here are some examples of how to use sparklers at a wedding or a birthday party.
How Do You Use a Sparkler at a Wedding?
Deciding how to use sparklers at your wedding can be a difficult choice. However, it’s very important to get the right type of wedding sparklers for your big day since they are slightly different. Just pick a version that is designed for how you want to use them.
The most popular way to use sparklers at your wedding is during your grand wedding exit. Grand wedding exit sparklers are a great alternative to confetti, birdseed, or rice and won’t require any cleanup. You can also use your grand wedding exit sparklers as photo props for cool effects in your pictures.
How Do You Use a Sparkler at a Birthday Party?
Sparklers can be used at birthdays in multiple ways, but most commonly they are used on top of the birthday cake in place of candles. It’s important to buy actual birthday candle sparklers for your cake so it doesn’t get ruined. Regular ones will leave residue and aren’t designed to be food grade. Ordering yourself some birthday candle sparklers will ensure a safe, healthy, and fun experience.
Safely Using a Sparkler
Lastly, safely using a sparkler is of vital importance. Nobody wants to get hurt while using their sparkler, so here are a few basic tips to help you keep things 100% safe.
General Sparkler Safety
- Store sparklers in a cool, dry place in an enclosed container.
- Only light one sparkler at a time. Wearing gloves is the safest option.
- Do not hold other items while holding a lit sparkler; particularly children or babies.
- Safely dispose of your used sparklers. A bucket of water is your best option.
- Avoid crowded places while using sparklers such as public fireworks displays.
Sparkler Safety Tips for Children
- Children under 5 will not understand how to use a sparkler safely. They should be 6 years of age or older.
- Always supervise children while using sparklers.
- Cover children’s hands with a plastic cup or gloves for extra safety.
- Loose-fitting clothing can accidentally get in the way; children should wear appropriate attire.
- Demonstrate how to hold a sparkler to the children first. Keep them as far away from your body as possible.
- Do not allow children to run with lit sparklers, or waive them near other people or objects.
Hopefully, this guide should have answered the question of “how do you use a sparkler?” From our example, you can see that there are many different ways that they can be used. The most important thing to keep in mind is that safety should always be first. If you follow the steps to light and use your sparklers, they can be a very fun and safe addition to your 4th of July party, wedding, or birthday cake.
